They are notable for the use of the mellotron and the heavy, trippy sound, dominated by a bass guitar. Their music is associated with the tradition of 1970s progressive rock music, especially King Crimson, but they have also covered songs by Van Der Graaf Generator and Magma in their live performances.
Gravity
Anekdoten Lyrics
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They're ruled by laws of gravity
Soon this door is closing
And you'll never know unless you go
No, you'll never know if you won't go
wishing well of wonders
Glitter box of dreams
You know I never wanted
To sing for your lover
But the angels sang of love
And outside the night was falling
fly - fiery angels kiss the sky
Won't you shine your light down on me
Fly - through the blazing cosmic eye
No, you'll never know if you won't go
eleven ways to lose your mind
Seven ways to shine
Four doors that may take you in
One that's closed behind
I should have seen you leaving
But I never thought you'd go
No, I never thought you'd walk away
it's getting dark, too dark to see
And angel's a long time gone
Too many things I can't combine
With logic reason
How can I tell the black from white
If all is black and blue?
God knows where I'm going
When the keeper waves me through...
The lyrics to Anekdoten's song "Gravity" are open to various interpretations, but at their core, they seem to be addressing the transience of life and the inevitability of change. The first stanza talks about the departure of an angel, which can be seen as a metaphor for someone leaving one's life. The mention of gravity highlights how something as fundamental as the laws of physics can dictate the course of one's life, and how some events or situations are beyond one's control. The following lines urge the listener to take action and not remain passive in the face of uncertainty or the fear of the unknown. The second verse paints a picture of a wishing well of wonders that, upon closer inspection, turns out to contain bitter pills. This can be seen as a commentary on how some things that seem promising at first glance can turn out to be harmful or deceptive. The mention of singing for someone's lover also suggests unrequited love or a feeling of being used. The song's chorus speaks of fiery angels kissing the sky and a cosmic eye, and seems to offer possibilities of transcendence or escape from earthly limitations. However, it cautions that such heights are only attainable if one is willing to take the plunge into the unknown.
The third verse continues the themes of uncertainty and loss, with lyrics about eleven ways to lose one's mind and four doors, one of which is closed behind. The singer admits to not anticipating someone's departure and expresses confusion about the choices that lay ahead, particularly since distinguishing between what is black or white seems impossible when everything is black and blue. The final line talks of a keeper, possibly the Grim Reaper, and where that journey will take the singer. Overall, the song seems to convey a sense of melancholy and a quest for understanding one's place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Soon an angel's leaving
The singer acknowledges the departure of someone significant, possibly a loved one or a guardian angel
They're ruled by laws of gravity
The person departing is bound to the forces of nature and the universe
Soon this door is closing
The opportunity to connect or reconcile with the departing individual is fleeting and will soon end as time passes by
And you'll never know unless you go
One must be willing to take risks and pursue opportunities if they want to experience the unknown and perhaps discover something new about themselves or the world
No, you'll never know if you won't go
By refusing to try and explore new possibilities, one will never gain the knowledge or experience it may offer
wishing well of wonders
A source of hope and inspiration, possibly referring to a place of worship or a cherished memory
Glitter box of dreams
A metaphor for something that appears attractive and promising on the outside but can be deceptive or unfulfilling on the inside
Inside lie bitter pills
The reality that awaits within the aforementioned source of inspiration is not always pleasant, often containing challenges and difficulties one must confront
You know I never wanted
The artist admits to being reluctant or unwilling to take on a task, possibly performing or sharing their music with someone specific
To sing for your lover
The performer gave a musical expression of love to someone else on behalf of the person being sung to
But the angels sang of love
Despite the singer's personal reservations about performing for someone else's lover, there are still higher powers or inspirations that encourage the expression of love
And outside the night was falling
The passage of time continues despite the various emotions and events unfolding
fly - fiery angels kiss the sky
The singer encourages someone, possibly themselves, to embrace their potential and aim for great heights
Won't you shine your light down on me
The singer reaches out for guidance and support in their endeavors, expressing a need for divine intervention
Fly - through the blazing cosmic eye
The singer continues to champion the idea of pursuing opportunities and reaching beyond one's boundaries, perhaps with the help of spiritual forces
eleven ways to lose your mind
There are many ways to get lost or consumed by one's thoughts, emotions, or actions
Seven ways to shine
Despite the many challenges and pitfalls one may face, there are still numerous ways to succeed or stand out
Four doors that may take you in
There are various paths or choices one can take, each with its own set of consequences and outcomes
One that's closed behind
Some opportunities or paths are no longer available, and it is necessary to focus on the ones that are still open
I should have seen you leaving
The artist expresses regret or lamentation about not recognizing the signs of someone close to them departing
But I never thought you'd go
The artist may have taken the presence of the person or thing being described for granted, not appreciating or acknowledging their value until it was too late
No, I never thought you'd walk away
The artist expresses disbelief, denial, or stubbornness in the face of someone or something significant leaving their life
it's getting dark, too dark to see
The singer may be losing sight of what is happening or the reason for their actions, suggesting a sense of confusion or despair
And angel's a long time gone
The passage of time is emphasized once more, and the significance of the angel's departure is further reinforced
Too many things I can't combine
The singer may feel overwhelmed or conflicted about their obligations, desires, and challenges, struggling to find a balance or resolution
With logic reason
The singer may be trying to make sense of their situation or decisions using their rational faculties, but finding it difficult or inadequate
How can I tell the black from white
The singer may be struggling to distinguish between what is right and wrong, true and false, or good and bad, suggesting a sense of moral or existential confusion
If all is black and blue?
The artist may feel trapped or stuck in their situation or worldview, unable to see a way out or a meaningful alternative
God knows where I'm going
The artist acknowledges their lack of control or direction in their situation or life, and seeks comfort or guidance from a higher power or authority
When the keeper waves me through...
The singer may be facing a transition or judgment, and expresses anticipation or resignation about what is to come
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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